7 superstars who bottled trying out the Premier League

The Premier League is the greatest division in world football and I don’t care who knows it. La Liga and the Bundesliga don’t even come close, and over the years there are some superstars who have never quite had the bollocks to give it a try in England – here’s seven of the biggest.

Ronaldinho

Often regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time, good old Ronnie certainly had his fair share of top performances against the English - but he never quite went all the way and actually played in the Premier League.
It seemed likely at a couple points in his career, but the legend never pulled the trigger.
Source: hip radar

Kaka

Kaka actually came painfully close to signing with Manchester City back in 2009, but instead opted for the easy option and waved goodbye to any hopes of legitimizing himself in the Prem.
The Brazilian certainly wasted some of his best years by not giving it a go.
Source: YouTube

Iker Casillas

Arsenal tried their best to lure the Spaniard to the Emirates, but he stayed firm and stayed well away from England as a result.
Maybe Iker thought he couldn't handle the intensity of the league, or maybe there was just more money available elsewhere(?) Probably the latter.
Source: Sports Nite Leaks

Xavi

Xavi is phenomenal and only got better with age, but Qatar? I mean, seriously?
I know us English aren't the most appealing at times, but come on, mate.
Just picture some of the partnerships the Spaniard could've had at the bigger clubs. Outstanding.
Source: Essentially Sports

Gianluigi Buffon

Just imagine seeing the Italian Stallion against some of the greatest strikers in Premier League history?!
Buffon's career is long enough that he could've faced some of the all-time best, and just picture some of the glorious saves he could've made. What a grand old shame.
Source: YouTube

Rivaldo

Look, look, Rivaldo may have done some pretty frustrating things throughout the course of his career (hello 2002 World Cup) but at the end of the day the Brazilian was always just so damn good.
Some people would say he was the best player in the world at one stage, and it's hard to argue.
Source: Sport You

Cafu

Nobody can argue with this one. A defensive genius who caused havoc both in at the back and charging forward, Cafu is far and away in the discussion for one of the best defenders of all time.

I'm a 22-year-old sports journalist covering football, MMA, NFL, WWE and more. I'm a Wolves fan, because for some reason I enjoy misery and heartache season after season.
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